The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations.
Lawmakers said the move could lead to massive failure and emotional distress for students, especially those in rural areas where schools lack computers, internet facilities, and trained teachers.
WAEC had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June exams using computers, after testing the model with private candidates in 2024.
However, the House urged the Education Ministry and state governments to use the 2026–2029 budgets to recruit computer teachers, build ICT halls, provide internet and power supply, and assess school readiness before full rollout in 2030.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, who warned that forcing students into CBT without adequate preparation could cause failure, frustration, and even depression.
He reminded the House that the 2025 WAEC result portal once suffered technical glitches that left candidates stranded, stressing that rushing the new system could repeat such chaos on a larger scale.
Wogu also noted that unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates take up to nine subjects—including practicals and theory—which makes a quick switch to CBT impractical.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed its committees to engage stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks.
Meanwhile, WAEC has continued sensitisation campaigns under the slogan “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination,” insisting the digital shift will improve examination integrity.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.